He spread a cloud for a covering, and fire to give light in the night. Psalm 105:39
As the children of Israel made their journey through the wilderness, they would occasionally encounter other people. Whether friendly or antagonistic, those other people would encounter the same weather, the same geography, the same flora and fauna as the Israelites. But those other people were missing something that was very important to the Israelites, something that not only marked them as very different from their neighbours, but which also gave them great blessings. The pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, marking the presence and the guidance of God, was unique in all that great desert, and applied only to the Lord’s people. God today provides His people with unique benefits that are unknown outside the circle of His salvation.
The heat of the desert sun was dangerous for all those people. But the cloud offered them some shadow and shelter from the heat. A different type of heat beats upon the Lord’s people today, the heat of the devil’s opposition and temptations. The enemy keeps trying to defeat us and to make us ineffective for our Lord. And yet the Person of the Holy Spirit is with each believer, reminding us of God’s presence and protection. We are not left to defend ourselves, but are entreated to rely on the God Whose presence preserves and shelters us. The cloud in the wilderness provided protection as long as the Israelites were within its shadow. The cloud of protection that Christians enjoy is also available if we abide in our Lord’s will. The cloud of guidance would mark out the path for the Israelites to follow, just as the Word of God is our guide today.
Imagine an Israelite mother attempting to calm a child who was timid of the dark. That mother might take the child to the door of the tent, and point to the fiery pillar. She could assure the child that the light marked God’s presence and protection, and everything was safe. We can also appreciate that in the night of sin that surrounds us, our God is always on guard to give us the comfort of His light and the assurance of His presence.
We might well pity the world of unsaved people who know nothing of God’s presence, protection, and guidance. Let us remind ourselves that God has greatly blessed us in our wilderness journey. -Jim MacIntosh